What is the Islamic goal behind our relationship with Non-Muslims?

[NewBeginning]

What is the Islamic goal behind our relationship with Non-Muslims?


It is, “To convey the message of Islam to all people, to deliver it freely, to insure the freedom of religious beliefs, and to establish justice on earth within the system of Islam.”


This goal is a divine obligation prescribed by Allah (S.W.T) upon us. He (S.W.T.) holds this Ummah responsible and accountable for establishing these goals. Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Al-Baqarah, what can be translated as, "Thus We have made you (Muslims), a just (and the best) nation, that you be witnesses over mankind, and the Messenger (Muhammad) be a witness over you…”(Verse 143)


Allah (S.W.T.) also honored this Ummah when He made it the best Ummah to rise to perform this obligation. Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Al-Imran, what can be translated as, "You (Muslims) are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind, you enjoining what is good (Al-Ma'roof) and forbidding what is evil (Al-Munkar), and you believe in Allah…”(Verse 110)


Each relationship with Non-Muslims, whether they are on the personal or state level, should be to achieve this goal. Islam orders us to strengthen this relationship with Non-Muslims and to eliminate anything that will weaken or make it harder to achieve this goal.


The life of the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and the lives of his companions are full of great examples that promote good relationships with Non-Muslims. Islamic history is full of evidence that shows that Muslims have maintained good relations with Non-Muslims for many centuries. Because these Muslims dealt with others in good manners, they were able to conquer nations and lands. Muslims did not overcome these nations with the strength of weapons and large armies. Some lands were conquered without a single soldier—in fact, they were conquered by Muslim merchants who carried goods and good manners. These manners opened the minds and hearts of the people who came into Islam by the masses. Because of the good manners of these merchants, today we witness the largest Muslim populations in Indonesia and Malaysia.


Peace, tolerance, compassion, and good relationships are the normal, and original state between Muslims and Non-Muslims. Islam promotes and protects this good relationship. Animosity and war are exceptions to this original state, when these exceptions do not exist, then we should return to the original peaceful state.


Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Al-Mumtahinah, what can be translated as, "Allah does not forbid you (Muslims) to deal justly and kindly with those who have not fought against you in accounts of your religion and who do not drive you out from your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity.” (Verse 8)


This great verse clearly states the normal and original state for a good relationship between Muslims and Non-Muslims. Allah (S.W.T.) did not prevent us (Muslims) from establishing good relationships with Non-Muslims. He clearly says that our relationships with Non-Muslims should be based on the best morals and justice with those who declared peace upon us and did not fight us.


The Noble Quran uses the word, “Bir,” which is typically used to describe the highest relationship one could have with parents. The Quran also uses “Bir” to describe the type of relationship we should have with Non-Muslims. “Bir” includes all the good things that a relationship should have, and excludes all the bad aspects of a relationship. For that reason, Muslim scholars said that “Bir” is the foundation of the relationship between Muslims and Non-Muslims.


This verse was revealed after the story of Asma’ and her mother. Imams Bukhari, Muslim and Ahmad reported that Asma’ the daughter of Abu Bakr (R.A.) said: “My mother came to me while she was still a polytheist, so I asked Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W.), “My mother, who is ill-disposed to Islam, has come to visit me. She wants something from me. Shall I maintain relations with her?” He (S.A.W.) replied, “Yes, maintain relations with your mother.”


After Imam At-Tabari mentioned various opinions for the explanations of this verse, his final conclusion was that: “The most correct opinion in understanding this verse is that Muslims should be just, fair, and have the best relationship with all Non-Muslims who ‘do not fight against us on account of our religion and do not drive us out of our homes.’ This includes people of all faiths and sects and the support of this correct opinion came from the story of Asma’ with her mother.”


Sayyid Qutb also attempts to explain this verse, saying that:


“Islam is a Deen of peace and a conviction of love. It is a system that has compassion to all people. It gathers all people (Muslim and Non-Muslim) under the banner of Allah like brethren in accord and love. There is no obstacle that prevents this from happening except an aggression from its enemies against it and its people. If those enemies show peace, Islam does not want animosity or to start it. Even when the enemies still show animosity, Islam always looks for ways to bring the relationship to normalcy through great conduct and justice.”


He continues: “Islam allows Muslims to seek accord and love with Non-Muslims who did not fight them for their religion and expel them from their lands.”


He continues: “Islam makes peace as the normal relationship between Muslims and Non-Muslims. This relationship is not distracted except with an aggression that must be dealt with, a breaching of truce, an obstacle in the face of delivering the message of Islam, shackling the freedom of religion. Other than that, the relationship is a relationship of peace, love, justice for all people.” {In the Shade of Al-Qur’an, 6:3544.}


From all that we have just heard, we should understand that the normal relationship between Muslims and Non-Muslims should be based on the best morality and justice, except with the exceptions mentioned. If we fail to establish this relationship, then we are committing aggression and injustice, and Allah (S.W.T.) does not love transgressors and unjust people.


There are many things that we can do to establish tolerance, compassion, and justice in relationships with Non-Muslims.


• Greeting, handshaking, hugging, and exchanging visits with them in their homes and places of worship. Also, welcoming them in our homes and our mosques.


• Accepting their invitation, offering them a meal.


• Offering congratulations in happy occasions like weddings, having a newborn, and etc…


• Exchanging gifts with them, but not giving them gifts during their holidays.


• Tashmeetu Al-Ates: If a non-Muslim sneezes and says, “Allah be praised” Then we should say, “May Allah guide you and make you in a good condition.”


• Visiting their sick people, and asking Allah (S.W.T.) for their recovery and their guidance.


• Offering condolences when they are struck by any disaster, tragedy, or death. But, do not ask for Allah’s mercy on their death.


• Collaborating with them in all good things.


We must also pay attention to the following when we deal with Non-Muslims:


• We must not be pleased with their disbelief.


• We must not give them support against a Muslim when that is done unjustly.


• We must not imitate them in their rituals, or in what is considered specifically from their own characteristics like clothing, hairdos, etc…


• We must not congratulate them on their holidays or their rituals with any statements that may give acceptance to their practices. Other statements are permissible.


• We must not participate or give them gifts on their holidays.


• We must not attend any event where there is blasphemy against Allah (S.W.T.) and His verses.


If we keep these things in mind in our relations with Non-Muslims then we reflect a brighter picture of Islam and Muslims. This is the key to giving successful dawah.

[Ruggedtouch]

"Saudi publications on Hate Ideology Fill American Mosques,"
http://freedomhouse.org/religion/news/bn20...-2005-01-28.htm


Read it all. The venom directed toward Christians, Jews, Muslims deemed not Islamic enough, and America is breathtaking. There is also a healthy helping of jihad ideology and material advising the oppression of women. And remember, this material is being spread in mosques all over the United States: in 1999, the Naqshbandi Sufi Sheikh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani testified before a State Department open forum that eighty percent of American mosques had extremist leadership. His assertion has never been convincingly refuted.


Among the key findings of the report:


* Various Saudi government publications gathered for the study, most of which are in Arabic, assert it is a religious obligation for Muslims to hate Christians and Jews and warn against imitating, befriending, or helping them in any way or taking part in their festivities and celebrations;


* The documents promote contempt for the United States because it is ruled by legislated civil law rather than by totalitarian Wahhabi-style Islamic law. They condemn democracy as un-Islamic;


* The documents stress that when Muslims are in the lands of the unbelievers, they must behave as if on a mission behind enemy lines. Either they are there to acquire new knowledge and make money to be later employed in the jihad against the infidels, or they are there to proselytize the infidels until at least some convert to Islam.


Any other reason for lingering among the unbelievers in their lands is illegitimate, and unless a Muslim leaves as quickly as possible, he or she is not a true Muslim and so too must be condemned. For example, a document in the collection for the "Immigrant Muslim" bears the words "Greetings from the Cultural Attache in


Washington, D.C." of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, and is published by the government of Saudi Arabia.


In an authoritative religious voice, it gives detailed instructions on how to "hate" the Christian and Jew: Never greet them first. Never congratulate the infidel on his holiday. Never imitate the infidel. Do not become a naturalized citizen of the United States. Do not wear a graduation gown because this imitates the infidel;


* Other Muslims, especially those who advocate tolerance, are condemned as infidels. The opening fatwa in one Saudi embassy-distributed book, published by the Saudi Air Force, responds to a question about a Muslim preacher in a European mosque who taught that it is not right to condemn Jews and Christians as infidels. The Saudi state cleric's reply rebukes the Muslim cleric: "He who casts doubts about their infidelity leaves no doubt about his." Since, under Saudi law, "apostates' from Islam can be sentenced to death, this is an implied death threat against the tolerant Muslim imam, as well as an incitement to vigilante violence;


* Sufi and Shiite Muslims are viciously condemned;


* For a Muslim who fails to uphold the Saudi Wahhabi sect's sexual mores [i.e. through homosexual activity or heterosexual activity outside of marriage], the edicts published by the Saudi government's Ministry of Islamic Affairs and found in American mosques advise "it would be lawful for Muslims to spill his blood and to take his money";


* Regarding those who convert out of Islam, the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs explicitly asserts, they "should be killed";


* Saudi textbooks and other publications in the collection, propagate a Nazi-like hatred for Jews, treat the forged Protocols of the Elders of Zion as historical fact, and avow that the Muslim's duty is to eliminate the state of Israel;


* Regarding women, the Saudi publications instruct that they should be veiled, segregated from men and barred from certain employment and roles;


The report states: "While the government of Saudi Arabia claims to be 'updating' or reforming its textbooks and study materials within the kingdom, its publications propagating an ideology of hatred remain plentiful in some prominent American mosques and Islamic centers, and continue to be a principal resource available to students of Islam within the United States."

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article....RTICLE_ID=42603

[Curious Christian]

Shaunee,


You talk a good talk. Unfortunatly, the "peacefull" side of Islam takes a back seat to the "head chopping" side of Islam.

[Faith Hope Charity]

Peace be with you!


Shaunee, I'm confused :confused_smile:


Isn't there a verse in the Quran that says non-Muslims are to be given 3 options: to revert, to die, or to live as lower class citizens???


Please explain :)

[wel_mel_2]

Bismillah:


I come across this thread by chance… Subhan Allah :)

Isn't there a verse in the Quran that says non-Muslims are to be given 3 options: to revert, to die, or to live as lower class citizens???


Please explain :)

any reference please? The Qur’an contains of 114 chapters and over 6000 verses, where can we find the verse that you are referring to?


Salam


Wael.

[Faith Hope Charity]

In the Name of God - Father Son Holy Spirit - Three distinct Persons in One Deity, to be praised, worshipped & adored!


May the peace of Christ be with you!

any reference please? The Qur’an contains of 114 chapters and over 6000 verses, where can we find the verse that you are referring to?

As if you don't know - LOL!


I think it's mentioned a few times (one way or another) in Sura 9. Verse 29 in particular.


I viewed this thread the other day (recommended by Muslimah). Muslims discussing the different types of Jihad: http://islamsms.com/bb/index.php?showtopic=2113&st=0 The issue was defined & explained brilliantly! There's a lot to take in though so I plan on reading it again :)


Take care & God bless.

[wel_mel_2]

Bismillah:

As if you don't know - LOL!

i really dont, unless you mention the whole story within its proper context.

I think it's mentioned a few times (one way or another) in Sura 9. Verse 29 in particular.

The verse you have mentioned says:


"Fight those who believe not in God nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which has been forbidden by God and His Apostle, nor acknowledge the religion of truth, [even if they are] of the People of the Book, until they pay the jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued." (At-Tawbah 9:29)


Now compare this verse with what you have said: non-Muslims are to be given 3 options: to revert, to die, or to live as lower class citizens



Anyway, you need to understand the context of the revelation of this verse. Revelations came to the Prophet, when Guidance was actually needed concerning a specific situation. The above verse, among others, is an example of this. For this reason, knowledge of the context of revelation is absolutely necessary for the proper understanding of this verse or any verse in the Qur’an.


i quote scholars of IslamOnline as follows:

Surat At-Tawbah was revealed to the Prophet in a situation when the pagans were at war with the newly organized Muslim Ummah (nation); and the Muslims were fighting them for survival. One of the issues dealt with in this verse is how to treat those who break existing treaties. The Muslims, specifically, are asked to fight those who break treaties, until they were thoroughly routed or they repented and agreed to follow the conditions imposed on them, which will ultimately be for the good of all.
Jizyah (tribute) is a much misunderstood tax the non-Muslims were asked to pay to the government in lieu of the Muslims’ payment of zakah. By paying the jizyah non-Muslims were guaranteed protection and rights including the right to worship as they chose--as long as they did not conspire against the Islamic authority. This can be equated nowadays to ‘nationality’, or ‘citizenship’. It is important to note that many times throughout Islamic history Christians and Jews opted to pay the jizyah and live under Muslim authority rather than the other options available to them under the various empires and ruling bodies. They knew that under Islam their humanity, rights and so on were respected and protected, as long as they fell in line with the boundaries established by Islam.


Under an Islamic government, Muslim and non-Muslim citizens are free to practice their religion and both should obey the laws of the land. If the government levied a tax only on its Muslim subjects, it would be unjust, as all are equal under the Muslim administration. At the same time, it would certainly be unjust to impose zakah on the non-Muslims; so a new tax called jizyah was introduced to balance the situation. All of us know that any government can legitimately ask its citizens to obey its laws; and a rebellious defiance of the laws of the land is not condoned by any government.


We should remember that the Muslims were a small band of people facing total annihilation. So, the Prophet was compelled to fight for existence; for survival. He was a model for his followers even in fighting a last-ditch battle. Those who believe in “the Son of God who was betrayed, bound, beaten, and crucified” obviously have difficulty in accepting a fighting prophet - a prophet who, with righteous indignation, stands up for truth and justice. Islam does not believe in a God Who was tortured, killed and left helpless to be defeated by his enemies! Where is the mercy of God, when He demands the sacrifice of an innocent person to atone for the sins of others? Can He not choose to forgive mankind Himself without exacting retribution?


Islam is a very practical religion that encompasses all aspects of human life then and now. Therefore, when the Muslims were organized for the first time into a community in those lawless times, there had to be laws governing matters of social organization, and even rules for battle. We cannot imagine a situation where fighting is completely ruled out either.


The immediate context of the above verse is that of a “war in progress” and not a general directive. It was an attempt to motivate Muslims to defend themselves. It was in view of the extreme danger the Muslims were facing, that they were permitted to fight in the first place. The Qur’an says:


"To those against whom war is made, permission is given [to fight], because they are wronged;- and verily, Allah is most powerful for their aid;- [They are] those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right,- [for no cause] except that they say, "our Lord is Allah”. Did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which the name of Allah is commemorated in abundant measure. Allah will certainly aid those who aid his [cause];- for verily Allah is Full of strength, Exalted in might, [Able to enforce His will]" (Al-Hajj 22:39-41).


"Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors. And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter..." (Al-Baqarah 2:190-191).


It is clear from the above verses that when Muslims fight, it must be for the sake of truth and justice. Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed his followers to maintain the utmost discipline even in battles, including avoiding injury to the innocent and using only the minimum force needed.


Even a cursory study of the Qur'an must convince an objective student, that Islam does not permit, condone or promote violence. On the contrary, it abhors violence and allows it only in self-defense, and certainly not to obtain oil and other forms of material wealth.

Salam


Wael.

[Faith Hope Charity]

In the Name of God - Father Son Holy Spirit.


Peace be with you!


Thanks Wael!


The Ayat is pretty self-explanatory. There's no real difference between our understanding. I read the thread Muslimah suggested & no Muslim who contributed there denied the meaning of the text. I understand perfectly what it means & I'm aware of the following ayat that states Muslims should slay the non-believers once the treaties are up. Whether I agree with it or not is another story.

Anyway, you need to understand the context of the revelation of this verse. Revelations came to the Prophet, when Guidance was actually needed concerning a specific situation. The above verse, among others, is an example of this. For this reason, knowledge of the context of revelation is absolutely necessary for the proper understanding of this verse or any verse in the Qur’an.

You're right about the context, but as we both know, Muslims have applied this verse to modern times too.

Islam does not believe in a God Who was tortured, killed and left helpless to be defeated by his enemies!

Neither do Christians ;) & for the record, Jesus Christ defeated His enemies & the ultimate source of evil - the prince of darkness himself, Satan!


God bless.

[wel_mel_2]

Bismillah:

The Ayat is pretty self-explanatory. There's no real difference between our understanding. I read the thread Muslimah suggested & no Muslim who contributed there denied the meaning of the text. I understand perfectly what it means & I'm aware of the following ayat that states Muslims should slay the non-believers once the treaties are up. Whether I agree with it or not is another story.

Again you are taking verses out of context… a n d you are making the same claim that CC (your fellow Christian) made sometimes ago… so here is my answer.


Critics of Islam actually quote this verse out of context. In order to understand the context, we need to read from verse 1 of this chapter (Chapter 9), It says that there was a peace treaty between the Muslims and the pagans of Makkah. This treaty was violated by the pagans of Makkah. A period of four months was given to the pagan of Makkah to make amends. Otherwise war would be declared against them. Verse 5 of this chapter says:


<b>"But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is oft-forgiving, Most merciful."</b> [Al-Qur’an 9:5]


This verse is quoted during a battle.


to give you an example, you know that America was once at war with Vietnam. Suppose the President of America or the General of the American Army told the American soldiers during the war: "Wherever you find the Vietnamese, kill them". Today if I say that the American President said, "Wherever you find Vietnamese, kill them" without giving the context, I will make him sound like a butcher. But if I quote him in context, that he said it during a war, it will sound very logical, as he was trying to boost the morale of the American soldiers during the war.


Similarly in chapter 9 verse 5 the Qur’an says, "Kill the Mushriqs (pagans) where ever you find them", during a battle to boost the morale of the Muslim soldiers. What the Qur’an is telling Muslim soldiers is, don’t be afraid during battle; wherever you find the enemies kill them.


you will always find those who quote this verse of chapter 9 verse 5, but after quoting verse 5 they will jumps to verse 7. Any sensible person will realise why they don’t mention verse 6, because it gives the answer.


chapter 9 verse 6 gives the answer to the allegation that Islam promotes violence, brutality and bloodshed. It says:


<b>"If one amongst the pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure that is because they are men without knowledge."[</b>Al-Qur’an 9:6]


The Qur’an not only says that a pagan seeking asylum during the battle should be granted refuge, but also that he should be escorted to a secure place. In the present international scenario, even a kind, peace-loving army General, during a battle, may let the enemy soldiers go free, if they want peace. But which army General will ever tell his soldiers, that if the enemy soldiers want peace during a battle, don’t just let them go free, but also escort them to a place of security?


This is exactly what Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an to promote peace in the world.

Jesus Christ defeated His enemies & the ultimate source of evil - the prince of darkness himself, Satan!

By dying on the Cross? i dont believe that this is a victory...


Salam


Wael.

[Faith Hope Charity]

Again you are taking verses out of context… a n d you are making the same claim that CC (your fellow Christian) made sometimes ago… so here is my answer.

I stand by my "claim". Your apologetic's explanation implies that the Ayat is outdated & no longer valid. Of course this is not the case because as a Muslim, you must believe that the Qur'an is timeless. That command applies today just as much as it did 1500 years ago.

chapter 9 verse 6 gives the answer to the allegation that Islam promotes violence, brutality and bloodshed. It says:


<b>"If one amongst the pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure that is because they are men without knowledge."[</b>Al-Qur’an 9:6]

If only it stopped there! Unfortunately, the dream turns into a nightmare in the next few Ayats.

This is exactly what Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an to promote peace in the world.

I totally agree that Islam is a peaceful religion... but only if you are a Muslim!!!


Wael, generally speaking, I know how you feel about this issue & you know how I feel. It is pointless to keep coming back to it. I have read Muslimah's thread on apostasy & jihad & quite frankly, unless certain Ayats miraculously disappear from every copy of the Qur'an, you & I will never see eye to eye. I'm letting it go, man, because it is just too devastating. I cannot blame you because you are simply trying to obey Allah's command & do what you think is right. I am just grateful that the majority of Muslims in the West have traded in these Ayats for the UDHR. Insh a Allah, more Muslims will jump on board too. If not, then I will stash some money away in case I have to pay jaziya down the track. So be it! Jesus lives in my heart!

By dying on the Cross? i dont believe that this is a victory...

I am not surprised ;)


It is way past my bedtime :sleep2:


Goodnight & God bless.